REVIEW: mgk - lost americana

mgk, or Machine Gun Kelly, has become a significant figure in the alternative hip-hop scene as of the past few years, after switching his genre from his well known hip hop rap and leaning more into his punk side - even collaborating with high-profile figures in the alternative scene such as Yungblud, Kellin Quinn and Bring Me The Horizon. Plenty of his fans think he's done an excellent job expanding his style and connecting to fans all over the world with his music, however there are many who think that Colson Baker should've just stayed at home in Houston, Texas, instead of making music. The controversial musician's highly anticipated release lost americana is finally here, and fans have been excited to hear what was coming next - we can confidently say that you are in for a ride while listening to this album.

It's certainly very upbeat, and may even be a real proper summer album, perfect for car rides with the windows down and blasting music with your friends. The album - at points - radiates happiness, and that carefree feeling you can only get during the warmest months of the year. This album definitely has a more overt pop influence across it, however the heavy guitars do pick up in some songs like ‘outlaw overture’. The drumming also plays a big part in this, as it picks up in the chorus but keeps a steady beat throughout each verse. The song ‘dont wait run fast’ opens with an impressive guitar riff, as the overall tone of the album became a lot more angsty here. mgk's vocals are more harsh here, and with the melodic riffs in the background this song takes on a more grungy feel to it compared to the others on the album.

A common theme in this album is fatherhood and love, shown off poignantly in the song ‘treading water’. The track is a very emotional one, and fans worldwide have resonated with it deeply. A couple lyrics that particularly stood out are “I wrote this song in room 3, spending Christmas in rehabilitation” and “I broke this home but I’ll change for my daughter, so she’s not alone.” These lyrics hit hard as he sings about his personal struggles in a way that feels heartbreakingly honest, and you really can’t help but listen and take them all in. The track ‘orpheus’ is heartbreakingly similar too, where mgk's vocals are raw and impactful to make the lyrics all the more vulnerable. “I will love you for all my days. Somewhere in a different realm, we’re still together.” You can't help but believe that mgk is speaking from his heart with these lyrics, and they reach every one of us. 

This album is an emotional rollercoaster that deals with heavy themes, but also keeps it upbeat with some of the songs. You will go from feeling happy and free to crying and screaming along with the lyrics. mgk is raw and honest with his words, talking about real things he has experienced and it is likely an album that people will keep close to their hearts. It doesn't have the consistency of a better album, musically or thematically, but is still a great piece by an artist who hasn't always put his strongest musical foot forwards. 

Score: 7/10

lost americana was released on August 8th 2025.

Words: Kelsey Mainwaring

Photos: mgk